City commissioners in Arkansas City, Kan., recently agreed to rezone a property at 1125 W. Skyline Road from high-density residential to a restricted commercial district, but sent a conditional-use permit request that would allow self-storage back to the planning commission for reconsideration. Property owners Joe and Rachel Hanna intend to build a self-storage facility on the site, according to the source. The couple operates Hanna Spring Farms, which sells produce at local farmer’s markets.

December 8, 2015

2 Min Read
Farmers Pursue Self-Storage Project in Arkansas City, KS

City commissioners in Arkansas City, Kan., recently agreed to rezone a property at 1125 W. Skyline Road from high-density residential to a restricted commercial district, but sent a conditional-use permit request that would allow self-storage back to the planning commission for reconsideration. Property owners Joe and Rachel Hanna intend to build a self-storage facility on the site, according to the source. The couple operates Hanna Spring Farms, which sells produce at local farmer’s markets.

Commissioners appeared to favor the conditional-use permit during a recent hearing, but were concerned a restriction that wouldn’t allow any unit doors to face Skyline Road or the neighboring MeadowWalk apartment complex could hamper the business. When questioned by Mayor Chad Giles if the restriction would burden operation, Rachel Hanna agreed it could be a hardship, the source reported. The commission directed the planning commission to rework the requirement.

In support of the rezoning, city planner Josh White said the property hadn’t been developed in the 14 years since it was annexed and argued the vacancy should be a priority, even though the rezoning was in conflict with the future land-use map adopted by the city in 2014. Commissioner Dan Jurkovich, who was the lone vote in dissent of the rezoning, indicated he would support the conditional-use permit to help alleviate the vacancy on the property.

In addition to the positioning of the storage-unit doors, the use permit stipulates any outside storage of boats and RVs must be screened from view from Skyline Road and the apartment complex, the source reported. Similarly, onsite lighting would have to be screened to avoid shining into apartment windows.

White said the planning commission will consider removing the stipulation on the unit-door positioning from its subdivision regulations. If planning officials don’t agree to remove the restriction, the Hannas would have to apply for a zoning variance from the board of zoning appeals, according to the source.

Sources:

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